Disasters often cause dramatic spikes in rental prices, leading to displacements, evictions, and homelessness.

I have seen firsthand how disasters like flooding can devastate our communities and the inequities in how those communities access and qualify for disaster relief.

I refuse to accept this as our new normal.

This opportunity to try to prioritize some of the important work I think the Water Resources Development Act can do for frontline communities like mine is critical.

We should also increase capacity and expertise within the Army Corps, and give the public more meaningful opportunities to weigh in on the projects that affect their communities.

Finally, we must maximize toxic remediation in ecological restoration, navigation, and flood resilience projects.

I thank Congressman Steve Cohen for joining me in this request, as well, and for just a great ally in fighting for environmental justice.

Our communities didn't even have the projections for these events at all. Some homes flooded repeatedly, some even up to four times within 2 months.

I refuse to accept this as an option, Chairwoman. As the weather events increase with frequency, communities need the tools to be prepared.

This year's WRDA presents an opportunity for our neighbors to better understand the threats that we face due to climate change, and it can equip us with a resilient water infrastructure.

Again, my district lives it every single day, and I just was taken aback by that.